Drivable places near Fairbanks to view the Northern Lights

Question

I have been surfing any post that has Northern Lights in it. Found one from 10 - 15 years old that proposed the following:

1. You can drive to the south ends of South Cushman or Pegar Roads. Not much traffic and no city lights also they are close to town.

2. Drive to the South End of the runway at Fairbanks International. There is a road that wraps all the way around the airport. There is parking there and it is dark.

4. If you want to get higher than Hagelbarger you can cross the Steese onto Bennett Road and take the first left up Gilmore Trail and climb to the top you will be able to find areas safe for observing up there.

5. You can take the Parks Highway south, once you pass Ester there are pullouts all along the route on the way to Nenana. Left side pullouts will get and nice view of Fairbanks.

6. Chena Lakes Recreation Area just past North Pole is the Chena Lakes Recreation Area. It is open in the winter and really dark there. Just follow the signs after you past the City of North Pole.

Do you have anything to add to the list or any comments about sites recommended?

Thank You

Answer

Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights, and the locations you’ve listed are still solid choices. The key is finding dark skies away from city lights, safe parking, and good visibility to the north and northeast horizon. Here’s an updated perspective and some additional suggestions based on recent traveler experiences.

Existing spots you mentioned:

South Cushman and Pegar Roads: Excellent close-to-town options with minimal light pollution. Popular with locals for quick Northern Lights trips.
South end of Fairbanks International Airport runway: Accessible and dark, though check for airport access rules and traffic safety.
Bennett Road / Gilmore Trail area: Higher elevation provides clear skies; safer if you stay on marked roads and avoid private property.
Parks Highway south past Ester: Pullouts are convenient for quick stops. Left-side pullouts give a good northern view; road conditions in winter can vary, so check ahead.
Chena Lakes Recreation Area: Very dark and open space; excellent for long viewing sessions. Some areas may have ice or snow, so dress appropriately.

Additional recommended spots near Fairbanks for Northern Lights viewing:

Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge: Very accessible from town and offers open fields and minimal light interference. Ideal for night photography.
Moose Mountain / Chena River State Recreation Area: A bit further out (20–30 minutes) but offers very dark skies and scenic backdrop for aurora watching.
North Pole area pullouts: Just past the city of North Pole, off of Steese Highway, there are multiple open areas safe for parking and viewing.
Chena Hot Springs Road: Driving up toward Chena Hot Springs Lodge, even before reaching the resort, gives expansive dark sky views; the lodge itself has aurora wake-up calls and is a good option if you want warmth and comfort nearby.

Tips and considerations:

Check aurora forecasts (for example, NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center) and weather forecasts for clear skies.
Dress in multiple insulated layers, with waterproof boots, hats, gloves, and hand/foot warmers.
Bring a thermos with hot drinks and snacks, and a sturdy tripod if you plan to photograph the aurora.
Arrive early, as the best spots can fill up quickly during peak aurora activity.
Always ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter driving; ice and snow are common even in April.

Overall, the combination of close-to-town options and slightly further out locations like Chena Hot Springs Road gives flexibility depending on aurora activity, road conditions, and desired level of darkness. Many visitors rotate between a few sites in one night to maximize viewing opportunities.

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